Greek sculptures are amazing works of art, almost all of which reside in museums or private collections. A collector would do well to find painstaking reproductions of famous sculptures, or art depicting them. The history of these art pieces is interesting, though, whether you’d like to own a reproduction, a new piece created in the Greek style, or whether you’re simply interested in developing a new appreciation for the sculptures of the masters.

The earliest of the Greek sculptures we know of today dates back to 900 BC, and unlike the white marble structures that most recognize, it was made from terra cotta. The sculpture, which was unearthed from two separate graves where pieces had been buried, is known as the Lefkandi Centaur, because it’s believed that it represents Chiron the centaur from mythology. This also makes it the first time Greek myth appeared in an art form, if the experts’ guesses are correct about what the sculpture represents.

The Geometrical period, which ranged from about 900 to 700 BC, saw most Greek sculptures done in either terra cotta, ivory or bronze. The bronze sculptures were usually left as offerings to the gods. Many sculptures were of horses or men, but a variety of animals were also represented.

The Daedalic period saw Eastern influence in the depiction of the flowing hair and wigs and very triangular jaws on figures. Then the Archaic period of Greek art and sculptures gave way for more rigid figures and more Egyptian influence, in art that usually depicted myths, or sometimes even just daily life. And the Classical period saw Greek sculptures become more realistic and lifelike. It was this period that produced some of the most amazing and beautiful sculptures in the world, and likely the ones that you can look at and instantly recognize as Greek. The first sculptors whose names are widely known today came from this period in Greek history.

It’s also interesting to note that when you see Greek sculptures, they’re typically all white. But archaeologists have discovered that most such sculptures were actually originally painted a variety of colors. By using very detailed testing, some have even been able to reproduce the paint and colorings used on Classical statues. The sculptures are white now merely because the paint has dried with age and fallen away, some experts say.

Greek sculptures are timelessly beautiful, and any home can benefit from this type of artwork. If you’re looking for a piece to use on a table as a centerpiece, or a frieze to adorn a wall, then choosing a sculpture that speaks to you or fits the atmosphere you want to convey is the most important thing.

If you want to collect Greek statuary to display as a group for its own sake, do some research into the sculptors and pieces that are most well-known. Online auctions like eBay are a great place to look for Greek art in general, as well as reproduction Greek sculptures or sculptures done in one of the different Greek styles.

Originally posted 2008-12-30 05:00:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Quilts, Bedspreads ->Patchwork ->

Patchwork quilts are an Americana staple, and these items are also highly collectible. While they are most commonly associated with the pioneer times and early formation of the United States, many cultures produce patchwork quilts and many of them are extremely valuable.

The process of making a patchwork quilt is quite labor intensive and for many families, these precious items became heirlooms. Typically, the quilt maker would save little squares of fabric that would then be turned into larger quilting squares during the making of the item. Sometimes, these pieces of fabric would be from old clothes, or blankets, or even feed sacks. Making a patchwork quilt could take months, due to the amount of work that is required.

Collecting the fabric is only the first step in making a patchwork quilt. Once enough of this was on hand, the quilt maker would begin the process of assembling each square, by hand, into an interesting pattern. The history of quilting patterns dates back many hundred years, but patchwork quilts are probably the most quaint. Instead of following a certain set pattern of colors, they were a mishmash of the fabric that the quilter had on hand. Each square would tell a story and that was part of the fun in making this type of quilt and owning one.

Once the squares were all assembled in the right pattern, the quilter would then begin the process of applying them to a backing. Typically, a type of batting would be sewn in between the backing fabric and the patchwork quilt square. However, many times, especially for poorer families, the backing and the squares were the only material that was used.

Each square would be handstitched onto the backing fabric until the entire pattern was assembled. A specific quilting stitch was used to ensure that the finished product would be very durable. Finally, when the finished product was complete, the entire pattern of the patchwork quilt would be made visible. It could take a quilter months to finish this type of project, but some were able to get them done in a matter of weeks once they had the fabric ready.

Typically, patchwork quilts were made during the winter months when pioneer families did not have has much work to do outside the home. However, quilting parties became very popular and gave women a means of socializing outside the home. During one of these parties, several women would work on the same patchwork quilt, assembling the squares, making the pattern and putting everything together.

In many small towns, the practice of making a patchwork quilt for a raffle became very popular. Often, women would construct these quilts and then donate them to their local churches. The church could then use the raffle to raise funds for building or other needs. If you happen to come across a patchwork quilt that is an antique, think about the labor and love than went into it for a few moments. You are holding a piece of someone’s history in your hands.

Photo Credits: Frankie Roberto

Originally posted 2008-08-25 14:00:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Stained Glass Windows-> Pre-1900

Stained glass windows are more than just functional windows, they are works of art that can express exalted meanings or simply beautify a room. When you are shopping for antique stained glass, it’s important to understand the amount of time that went into each piece. Remember, the little imperfections that are commonly present on most stained glass windows are part of their charm and in many cases, they may actually increase the value.

The first step made by the designer is to come up with the actual design for the stained glass window. This was typically done on paper and the artist may try several different designs until they find one that works right. The colors that will be used for the window are usually determined at this phase as well. Most concept drawings for stained glass windows are nearly as beautiful as the windows themselves.

Once the artist had the design and concept ready for their stained glass window, they would need to select the glass. This process was the most time consuming and some artists would spend months trying to find just the right piece. Once the glass had been found, the next step was to start cutting it into the correct sized pieces that would later be assembled together into the window.

The mosaic of glass pieces was very important for a stained glass window. They had to be fit precisely so that they could later be soldered together. Each piece would be individually hand painted and the designer would then lay each piece out in the final design.

Once this was completed, the stained glass window could then be soldered together. Most often lead was used as a part of this process and to this day, most stained glass windows do contain lead. The soldering was an intricate process and more times than not, there would be small imperfections. This was often considered to be an important part of the process and although perfection was usually sought, it would be centuries before this could be attained.

Even though today’s stained glass windows that are assembled by machines may be perfect, they lack that special charm that antique windows have. When you are shopping for stained glass windows that are antiques, think for a minute about the hard work that went into creating that work of art. Whether it is a simple floral design or an intricate religious piece, stained glass windows are definitely keepsakes whether you hang them on the wall or actually install them into a window.

The next time you come across a stained glass window, think about purchasing it to preserve this form of artwork. They can beautify any home, and there is nothing quite like these unique works of art. They make wonderful conversation pieces and can be used just about anywhere in the home.

It is a lot of fun to collect many different stained glass windows and to see if you can end up finding the same designer’s work again.

Photo Credits: foxypar4

Originally posted 2008-09-01 05:00:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Ceramics, Porcelain

Ceramic piggy banks have an interesting history. Why pigs, exactly, and not bank shapes or a tiny safe? Apparently, we use pigs because of language, and a simple mistake. The word “pygg” was an old English word for an orange clay commonly used to make jars, pots, dishes, and almost anything we use ceramic for today. Extra coins in a household were commonly dropped into a jar made from pygg. Language evolved over the next few hundreds years, and in the early 19th century when some English potters were asked to make pygg banks, they made banks shaped like pigs. They were a hit with customers, and the piggy bank was born—or so the most widely believed explanation says.

One other version of the origin of the ceramic piggy bank claims that a young boy in the early 20th century wanted to raise money to help lepers. He sold his pet pig and donated the money from the sale to help leprosy victims. His generosity caused people to call it the Pig Bank Movement, thus staring the name piggy bank. A church in Kansas bears a plaque commemorating the boy and his generosity, and the piggy bank in general.

Who hasn’t had a piggy bank at some point in his or her life? Ceramic piggy banks are popular items today, and are often given to children at birth or as a first birthday gift, as an heirloom and to foster the good habit of saving money for a rainy day. Silver-plated banks are often engraved with the child’s name and date of birth or some other milestone date when given as gifts. And often tradition has the gift-giver putting the first coin into the bank before giving it as a seed for future wealth.

The value of collectible ceramic piggy banks hinges on a number of things like the age, the condition, and the significance of the design or the bank itself (did it belong so someone noteworthy, or was it created by someone famous, for instance.) What kind of piggy bank you purchases depends on whether or not you’re interested in it as a collectible, or if it’s simply because you love the design.

Vintage ceramic piggy banks can be called vintage simply because they’re not in a currently popular style. Be sure it’s not just labeled as vintage, but collectible as well, if you’re looking for an investment piece to add value to your collection. The uniqueness of the bank, and the quality and condition all figure into the price and the value.

Very old ceramic piggy banks will often have cracks, chips or crackling. If you can find a very old bank intact, you’ve probably found a nice collector piece. Just be sure to ask the seller, whether online or in person, if repairs have been made, if any chips have been glued, or if any type of re-glazing has been done to the bank. You’ll want one as close to its original condition as possible.

Photo Credits: 23dingenvoormusea

Originally posted 2008-10-29 14:00:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese

If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most antique Chinese parrots are hand painted and very detailed works of art that can enhance any personal collection. Before you start collecting antique parrots, here is what you need to know.

1. Authenticity is key

While decorative collectibles are fun to look at it, if you’re in this business to acquire valuable pieces of art, authenticity is definitely key. There are a lot of mass produced collectibles out there that are pretty, but have no value above their sticker price. When you want to buy authentic antique Chinese collectibles, make sure that they are authentic. You can do this by hiring an appraiser, or by looking for special maker’s marks on the bottom of the piece.

Condition is important

Chipped or cracked collectibles instantly lose their value. If you are buying an antique Chinese parrot online, make sure that the seller provides you with many different pictures that cover all the angles of the piece. If you can’t see the item well, ask for a clearer picture. This is the best way to make sure that you are getting a piece that is in good condition. If you are shopping in person, hold the piece up the light and take the time to really examine it. This can mean the difference between a collectible that is worth thousands, or one that is worth $5.

Look for certain eras

Antique Chinese parrots were more popular during some eras in Chinese history than others. It pays to do your research on the different dynasties and learn how the various parrots were produced during each era. This will help you build a collection that is either based around design similarity or that is based by era. If you are serious about building a specific collection around a dynasty, this is a very important step to take.

Look for fading paint

This is natural, especially with older antique Chinese parrots, but it can have an impact on the overall value of the piece. Ideally, you should be looking for one that is in near perfect condition. One of the easiest ways to tell the age of a piece is to look for how worn the paint is. This is probably the one time where the condition may not count against the piece. If there is a small area of worn paint, that should not impact the value too much. However, a piece that is very faded may need to be restored. This can have an adverse effect on the value.

Collecting antique Chinese parrots can be fun and educational. These brightly colored pieces have a lot of history and are at home in any place or private collection where antiques are appreciated and loved.

Photo Credits: uwdigitalcollections

Originally posted 2008-10-03 05:00:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Sewing -> Machines and Machine Parts

If you love sewing collectibles and are trying to build up your collection, one of the best additions you can find is an antique Singer sewing machine. These machines can enhance any personal collection and may even be the focal point in your display. Before you run out and buy an antique Singer sewing machine however, there are a few things to consider.

First, you will need to take a look at the overall condition of the machine. If you don’t mind something that is a little worn, then you will have plenty of options. In some cases, having an antique Singer sewing machine that does show some wear will make a collection more interesting. However, if you are looking for a model that is also valuable as a collector’s item, it is a good idea to make sure that it is in the best condition possible.

Next, you will need to find out how the antique Singer sewing machine is powered. Early electric models are very valuable, but by far, many collectors look for the machines that were entirely powered by the user, usually through a foot pedal. There are a lot of reasons to get this type of sewing machine, especially if you love to sew but need to have a backup. Even if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to use your machine if it is not electric.

If the antique Singer sewing machine is powered by electricity, it is vital to see what condition the power cord is in. If you plan to actually use the machine, then this is absolutely paramount. Many older collectibles that still have their original cords can be fire hazards, despite the fact that they are valuable. The one exception to this rule would be if you just plan to display the machine and have no plans to actually use it in the future.

It is also a good idea to ask the seller of the antique Singer sewing machine if the machine is in good working order. You’d be surprised by just how many 100 year old machines still function as well as the day they were made. Again, if you will be using the machine, it’s a good idea to get one that works. Finding people to repair antique Singer sewing machine is not easy in some areas and you’re better served by having one that already works.

Last but not least, you’ll need to know where to find antique Singer sewing machines. The best place to look is at local garage sales or at second hand stores, especially if you can find one from an owner that is serious about sewing. You can also find many great deals at online auction sites for antique Singer sewing machines. Keep an eye out whenever you’re out and about or just searching the internet. You never know what kind of gem you’ll be able to uncover if you keep checking back at these sites or in your local area.

Photo Credits: Hammer51012

Originally posted 2008-09-17 14:00:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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So, do you think that you may have something that is valuable on your hands? Are you trying to determine how much it is going to be worth? There are a myriad of different websites online for antiques and collecting, and many of them do offer plenty of information on the concept of antique appraisals. Here are some things that you should keep in mind when it comes to using the internet while searching for antique appraisals. Keep in mind that these tips will improve your capability of getting the right answers and the right price for your vintage or antique items.

1 – Never simply walk up and ask an antiques dealer to tell you what something is worth, because the standard response is going to be to ask how much you want to get for it. Many antiques dealers have spent years and years acquiring their knowledge, and they are very rarely ever going to want to pass out free advice to a complete stranger, even if they do otherwise specialize in antique appraisals. Do not sell you item to the person that you asked to evaluate it for you, because these people make their living by buying low and then selling high, and you may end up being taken for a ride.

2 – Next, when it comes to antique appraisals you are going to want to understand that quality plays a really important role in any antique appraisals that you receive. Just because you have something that happens to be old, that does not mean that it is inherently valuable. The better the condition of something is, generally the more it is going to be worth, but take this info with a grain of salt because there’s no telling what you have on your hands or how much it is worth until you get the antique appraisals you are looking for.

3 – Finally, no matter what information that you receive regarding the value behind your collectible or antique, you need to understand that antique appraisals are only worth what someone is really willing to pay you for the item. Just because your antique doorknob is priced at $100 in a price guide, that does not mean you’ll fetch that price for it on eBay. You need to keep this in mind because there is a relationship between antique appraisals and what people are actually willing to pay for things, and both numbers matter in the grand scheme of things.

Photo Credits: BVNA

Originally posted 2009-09-14 03:35:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps

There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds of thousands of these currently on the market and you should be able to find one that matches your tastes quite easily. Here’s a quick buying guide to get you started.

1. Does the lamp still work?

While this shouldn’t be a deal break since lamps are easy enough to repair, it is important to find out if the antique lamp is still in working condition. Remember, restoring or fixing an antique can impact its overall value, especially if you have to use brand new parts to get the job done. Ideally, an antique lamp should work, but you may want to have it checked out by a professional, depending on the age of the lamp, to make sure that it is safe to run in your home.

2. How old is the lamp?

This is a big issue when it comes to running the lamp on your standard house electricity. Some older antique lamps should probably only be used as decorative objects since they may be unsafe to plug in. Again, getting an expert opinion on this is probably necessary to make sure that you are dealing with a lamp that is safe to use as well as pretty to look at.

3. Does the lamp have any interesting history?

Antique lamps are great for conversation starters and it always helps to find out if there is an interesting history behind the lamp. This shouldn’t necessarily be something that would convince or keep you from buying, but it is information that is nice to have. In fact, in many cases, a lamp with a better history will actually be worth more money than one that does not have a known origin.

4. Is the cord in good condition?

We really can’t stress safety enough when it comes to antique lamps. Our other points covered whether the lamp still works, but you should also consider the state of the power cord before making your purchase. Antique lamps will commonly have older cords that may be frayed. These can easily be replaced, but doing so may lower the value of the lamp.

5. How many lamps of that type were made?

This is a question that any serious collector of antique lamps should ask. If you are looking for an investment in a collectible, it’s always important to find out just how many were made since this can greatly impact the overall value of the item, both real and perceived.

Antique lamps are a great collectible and many people prefer this type since they are actually quite useful in the home. Just remember to put safety first before purchasing and using an antique lamp in your home to avoid fire and electrical hazards.

Photo Credits: *clairity*

Originally posted 2008-09-14 14:00:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Furniture -> Chairs

In the market for a collectible that will not only be useful but also beautify your home? Antique chairs are the perfect solution. These are a very popular type of collectible and no matter what type of furniture you’re interested in, chances are you’ll be able to find just the right chair to complete your collection. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

If you enjoy rocking, there are many antique chairs that offer this feature. In fact, these are probably some of the most collectible chairs you can find. Often made with cane backs, or slats, these chairs used to adorn parlors and cabins alike during the past few hundred years. If you have never sat in one of these antique chairs, you are missing out on an experience. For those that enjoy primitive, western or Americana collectibles, this type of antique chair would fit perfectly with any collection.

For those that prefer a more modern twist, there are antique chairs from the Danish Modern movement that are quickly coming back into style. In fact, you can find brand new replicas of this style in just about any store today. These chairs are incredibly comfortable, even though they have that sleek modern look and if you can find an original, you’ll be surprised at what they can do for a room when it comes to finishing touches.

If you’re looking for an antique chair for your den, office or study, consider getting a leather club chair from the art deco period. These are the epitome of luxury and many are still fully functional today. Ideally, look for a club chair that still has its original ottoman, since these are worth quite a bit more money, especially at auction. Club chairs are typically leather and will usually come in black or dark brown.

Queen Anne and Chippendale antique chairs are always popular, especially if your home already features this kind of décor. While these may not be the most comfortable chairs on the planet, they are among the prettiest and many of them are actually incredibly valuable. Look for chairs that have their original upholstery if at all possible, or if you’re looking for a deal, you can find a run down one that just needs a little TLC.

Last but not least, there are antique chairs from the Shaker style that are ideal for any home. These are quite valuable and many will be rockers. If you’ve got a dining room you’re trying to furnish, consider using Shaker style antique chairs for a great authentic look. These chairs are very durable and it is typical to find them in fantastic condition at local auctions.

No matter what kind of antique chairs you are interested in, from oriental, to art deco and everything in between, thanks to their popularity, they are incredibly easy to find. Start shopping for an antique chair now and see just how much it can add to your home, making it very special indeed.

Photo Credits: flo21

Originally posted 2008-09-20 05:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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A curio cabinet is a piece of furniture that encompasses so many different varieties that it’s hard to sum up in a short space. The thing each one has in common is that it allows for “curios” to be displayed. Knick-knacks, trinkets, collectibles and other small, and sometimes fairly large, items can be displayed in a curio cabinet. Some will have glass fronts on the doors so that the items are protected from dust while on display, in fact most will have some sort of glass-fronted display on at least part of the cabinet. Others have open shelves, or some open areas for trinkets alone with the glass-covered main portion of the cabinet.

If you’re looking to buy a curio cabinet, obviously you can look for an antique or vintage cabinet in antique shops or flea markets, or maybe even yard sales. Often people won’t realize that fine piece of furniture might be valuable and worth hanging onto simply because they’re tired of it and want something new. Online auctions like eBay are a great place to look for a curio cabinet because you’ll find such a wide variety of different sizes, shapes and styles there at one time, instead of being limited to the few you might find in an antique shop each time you visit.

And you have the option of purchasing a new curio cabinet through a store or eBay as well. The newer cabinets are sometimes made to look like a brand new, modern piece of furniture and other times they’re made to look as vintage as possible. Very cheaply made curio cabinets don’t seem to reach for either of those, they’re simply cheap or pressed wood cabinets that allow for display, with very little character as a stand alone piece of furniture.

The best way to approach the purchase of a curio cabinet is first to decide what you’ll do with it. If you already have a collection you want to display, that will narrow down your choices and make it easier. Plan where you’ll put the cabinet. Then you’ll know about how large the cabinet needs to be and how much room it will need to have in order to display your collection. Then you’ll need to decide between vintage or new, depending on your personal tastes.

If you want a curio cabinet for its own beauty, then you’ll almost always want to shop for a vintage cabinet. Many of these cabinets, even though they might be well over 100 years old, were display pieces in their own right, quite beautiful even before the knick-knacks were added to them. If it’s the appearance of a fine, vintage piece of furniture you’re after, then the size and shape of the cabinet will be less important to you. Decide where the cabinet will go in your home and you’ll know whether you want a short, small cabinet or a large, tall one with lots of room for your favorite collectibles to be displayed.

Originally posted 2008-11-19 05:00:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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